Punta Laguna Monkey Reserve

Punta Laguna Monkey Reserve, also called Otoch Ma’ax Yetel Kooh, is a 5,000-hectare area of protected space used as an observation area for one of the region's largest concentrations of spider monkeys.

Upon entering the Punta Laguna Reserve, which lies 20 kilometers north of the Coba traffic roundabout, visitors are given two options. Simple admission grants access to swimming in the large lagoon, walking the trails, and visiting the small museum that explains the species of plants and animals that can be found in the area. Optional add-ons include a knowledgeable trail guide, canoe rentals, or a combination adventure package that includes canopy zip lining with cave rappelling and swimming in a cenote.

In general, most guides live in the village and have spent their lives in the area, and so they are knowledgeable of the environment and may increase the chance of spotting some of the 600 spider and howler monkeys living in the forest canopy throughout the reserve. There are also populations of puma (the name Otoch Ma’ax Yetel Kooh translates to "home of the spider monkey and the puma" in Maya), crocodile, tropical birds, and coati that live throughout the protected area.

A primary point of interest for visitors is to walk the main path down to the edge of the lagoon. Here, a few tables, a small dock, and an observation deck are about the only developments. However, swimming in warm lagoon waters here is a popular activity. This is also the starting point for any canoe rentals.

There is a large network of trails that branch off, trace the perimeter of the lagoon, and weave beneath the canopy. However, throughout the trails there is next to no signage. While there are certain features, such as caves, Maya ruins, and fruit trees that are popular feeding areas for the spider monkeys throughout the park, there is no signage or maps showing where they are located. Visitors will either need to hire a guide or just head into the trails and see what they stumble across.

If looking for monkeys, they tend to be less active at midday when the temperatures are at their warmest and become more active as the afternoon stretches on.

Changing rooms are located near the lagoon. Visitors should be prepared for a good amount of walking. There is a small restaurant and vault bathrooms located near the entrance. Punta Laguna Monkey Reserve is open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is MX$150 per person, with additional fees for guides, rentals, and adventure options.